FOREST CERTIFICATION

Southern Woodland Associates is qualified as a resource specialist to support a seamless transition to Forest Certification under the American Tree Farm System (ATF).   

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MEMBERSHIP IN THE AMERICAN TREE FARM SYSTEM PROVIDES:

  • Learning events to provide networking opportunities

  • Tree Farm sign to display on your property

  • ATF publications

  • County, state and national Tree Farm recognition

  • Annual meetings with SC lawmakers to discuss important issues as they relate to Family Forests. (SC Tree Farm Legislative Day)

  • Third-party validation of sustainable forest management, to include conservation principles  and practices recognized around the world

STANDARDS FOR FOREST SUSTAINABILITY:

Standard 1: Commitment to Practicing Sustainable Forestry

  • Landowner demonstrates commitment to forest health and sustainability by developing a forest management plan and implementing sustainable practices.

Standard 2: Compliance with Laws 

  • Forest-management activities comply with all relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances. 

Standard 3: Reforestation and Afforestation 

  • Landowner completes timely restocking of desired species of trees on harvested sites and non-stocked areas where tree growing is consistent with land-use practices and the landowner's objectives.

Standard 4: Air, Water, and Soil Protection 

  • Forest-management practices maintain or enhance the environment and ecosystems, including air, water, soil, and site quality.

Standard 5: Fish, Wildlife, Biodiversity, and Forest Health 

  • Forest-management activities contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.

Standard 6: Forest Aesthetics 

  • Forest-management activities recognize the value of forest aesthetics.

Standard 7: Protect Special Sites

  • Special sites are managed in ways that recognize their unique historical, archaeological, cultural, geological, biological, or ecological characteristics.

Standard 8: Forest Product Harvests and Other Activities 

  • Forest product harvests and other management activities are conducted in accordance with the landowner's objectives and consider other forest values.

 
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